Online Reporter
THREE of Australia’s most respected cricket figures are set to visit Zimbabwe and South Africa next month for Grassroots Cricket’s fourth annual Super Clinics — a transformative youth development programme that fuses high-performance coaching with life skills training.
Former Australian international Trevor Chappell, elite coach Peter Buchanan, and ex-Test bowler and umpire Paul Wilson will headline the clinics, which will be held in Harare, Bindura, Marondera in Zimbabwe and in Cape Town, South Africa.
The initiative, led by NGO Grassroots Cricket, aims to empower hundreds of young players — particularly from underprivileged communities — with world-class technical skills and personal development tools such as leadership, teamwork and resilience.
“We believe cricket is more than a game — it’s a tool for transformation,” said Tawanda Karasa, founder and director of Grassroots Cricket. “Our Super Clinics bring elite-level coaching to communities that need it most, while also instilling values that young people can carry for life.”
Since their launch, the clinics have reached over 2 000 children across southern Africa, many of whom had never had access to formal coaching.
This year’s edition will be the biggest yet, with new mentorship circles and dedicated sessions for girls’ cricket.
The involvement of top Australian coaches is a major drawcard.
Chappell, known for his depth of international experience and passion for youth development, said he is excited to connect with Africa’s next generation of cricketers.
Wilson, a former Test and ODI player turned umpire and development coach, brings a unique perspective on the modern game.
Meanwhile, Buchanan — a key figure in building Australia’s Centre of Excellence — will lead sessions focused on mindset, game intelligence and personal growth.
“We’re not just producing better players — we’re producing better people,” added Karasa.
“Our alumni are now representing provinces, coaching younger players, and becoming role models in their communities.”
The Zimbabwe leg of the clinics will cover Tynwald North (Harare), Bindura and Marondera, while Cape Town joins this year’s programme for the first time, marking the growing regional footprint of the initiative.
The programme is supported by Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, but Grassroots Cricket is calling on local businesses and stakeholders to come on board through sponsorship, resources or mentorship partnerships.
“We’re creating real, lasting change,” said Karasa.
“But we can’t do it alone. Anyone who believes in youth empowerment through sport is welcome to be part of this journey.”
Meanwhile, Ireland clinched the three-match women’s Twenty20 cricket series against Zimbabwe with a 65-run victory at Sydney Parade in Dublin on Tuesday.
Following Sunday’s six-wicket victory, Ireland wrapped up the series win with a game to spare thanks to another impressive display.
Zimbabwe won the toss and put Ireland in to bat and, despite getting off to a great start when Amy Hunter was caught lbw for one, they could not contain Ireland captain Gaby Lewis who produced another player-of-the-match performance to hit 87.
Orla Prendergast chipped in with 52 before being bowled by Kelis Ndlovu.
Leah Paul contributed 20 and Rebecca Stokell was 11 not out as the tourists a target of 176.
After a bright start, Zimbabwe lost Modester Mupachikwa in the third over and, despite stout resistance from Ndlovu who put 46 runs on the board, the wickets began to tumble with Carla Murray taking three, while Prendergast and Paul grabbed two apiece as Zimbabwe’s challenge faded.
Hunter’s four dismissals as wicketkeeper was also a record for Ireland’s women in T20 cricket.
Ireland were looking to sweep the series in the final T20 international yesterday before the one-day series starts on Saturday. — Zimpapers Sports Hub/BBC Sport.
